Reading the Highland Villager #253

[A Villager accompanies some grocery store sushi.]

[Basically the problem is that the best source of Saint Paul streets & sidewalks news is the Highland Villager, a very fine and historical newspaper. This wouldn't be a problem, except that its not available online. You basically have to live in or frequent Saint Paul to read it. Until this newspaper goes online, sidewalk information must be set free. See also: Three Reasons Why I Re-Blog the Highland Villager.]

Headline: Council sets hearing on $7.5M redesign of Ayd Mill Road
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Description of the Council meeting about Ayd Mill Road. [I wrote about this recently, and in the past.] There are a few options from the Mayor's Office / Public Works, and the meeting has happened. [Council approved some money, with some vague strings.] Article includes a vague rendering of a proposal that would add a bike path. CM Thao is quoted, saying, "Why is this in a vacuum?" [Because AMR sucks so much?] CM Noecker is quoted saying "This plan has changed [a lot] in the past six months." CM Jalali says we need to make the bike trail. [After further review, here are my AMR outcome rankings: #1 - close it, build a bike/walk trail; #2 - come up with a two-lane version that hits a reasonable budget number; #3 [tied] - the compromise $7M option; #3 [tied] - the $9M two-lane option; ... [every other possible thing] ... #591 - re-pave it as a four-lane freeway to Selby Avenue.]


Headline: Ryan seeks package of changes to Ford master plan; tweaks aim to make plan consistent, more workable
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The developer who now owns the old Ford truck factory would like to change the master plan rules, including: moving commercial land use to the north edge of the site; getting rid of a "shared use" street in favor of actual sidewalks and on-street parking; having more "price options" for townhouses; reducing minimum lot width; increasing width of townhomes; and adding "supportive housing" for certain vulnerable groups as part of the affordable housing component.


Headline: City hires lobbyist to explore support for local sales tax hike; but timing of request and the priorities for sales tax increase are questioned
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The City Council approved trying to get the State government to let the city tax people with a 1¢ sales tax.It would be used for transportation, and other things like pre-K and affordable housing, maybe. CMs Brendmoen, Jalali and Tolbert voted against the tax proposal. [Very interesting vote, this.] CM Noecker pushes it, and cited a study that the streets are falling apart. [They are.] There is a legal problem involving a state law and sales taxes. [City does not have a great track record with tax-related lawsuits, FYI.] There would have to be a referendum, even if it passed the state legislature. CM Jalali was concerned about timing. The Mayor's Office might or might not like the proposal.


Headline: Infrastructure, state aid, housing needs top city's legislative wish list
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The City will ask the State government for money for things, including two bridges.


Headline: New CIB process seeks ideas for safer St. Paul
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There is a competitive ranking process to get money for projects, including $500K for public safety ideas. Anyone can submit one. The acronym here is Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). [This basically means things like windows, lampposts, and fences.] Article also suggest that "pavement markings to slow traffic, crosswalks, and changes to make building entrances more accessible and visible" are good ideas here too. [Please note that $500K is not a lot of money for a city.]


Headline: Grant saves Open Cities clinics
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A clinic that was open to anyone was going to close but didn't because it got some more money from a foundation.


Headline: Highland Fest began when it was the Village's time to shine
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: For years local businesses have blocked off the street by Ford and Cleveland to sell art and stuff. They're not doing it any more. Article goes into some history fo the festival, and its decline. One business guy says its because of "changes in the business community, rising costs, and challenges in getting enough volunteers." Artists aren't signing up for it either. [IMO Open Street was a vastly superior "festival" model, and the year it took place right across the river really illustrated that. Why not have an "Open Streets Cleveland"?]


Headline: City festivals face increase in public safety costs, other expenses
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Street festivals are becoming more expensive because the city Police Department makes it more difficult.Quote from the MPD: "we're dealing with potential threats that were unheard of a few years ago." CM Noecker is quoted citing costs for things like trash and renting barricades and lost revenue from parking meters. [TBH, other than trash, this particular list of expenses seems minimal costs to my mind, and probably well worth it. Any time someone wants to close a street for a F2F event, it probably saves the city money int he long run in public safety costs, by cultivating community connections and improving public health.] Grand Old Day might be cancelled too because security costs have essentially doubled. [GALAXY BRAIN: you can't have lost parking meter revenue from Grand Old Day if you don't have parking meters on Grand!]


Headline: City studying ways to promote density in multifamily housing
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The Planning Department is tweaking the RM zoning category to make it less auto-oriented. There's a public hearing in April. Article explains that RM zoning is.


Headline: St. Paul rolls out rent subsidy for struggling school families
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The city will fund a few families with kids who qualify, to help with their rent. [Also, building more housing would help too. See above story.] To qualify, you have to have young kids, be below 30% AMI, and cannot be getting other rental assistance. There's enough money for 250 families. [Good idea, but a drop in a bucket.]